A.N.: To be honest, this is the result of a random thought that passed through my mind after reading a 4-panel comic made by Safely Endangered, then decided to write it. I think it can serve as a divergence from my usual writing themes, because I want to make this a family centric story. I hope you can enjoy this short chapter and if you decide you enjoyed it, please let me know by reviewing (as I usually open FFN by the app, rather than website)

Life had not been easy for Namikaze Minato. He lost his dear wife not even 3 years ago and now he might lose his only son too. The young boy was not sickly, nor was he scrawny. But for some reason, he had fallen ill with something.

The doctors and medics had checked little Naruto for anything and everything, but there was nothing. He had feared it was the Kyuubi, but the seal was designed by three seal masters. Surely it was enough to hold the being?

The boy's chakra level, blood pressure, blood sugar, electrolytes, any sort of indicators were normal. So why wouldn't he wake up?!

Minato was not a religious man, never had been as his ninja life seems to make any religion moot… but he found himself praying to yet another deity today.

Yesterday was merciful Kanon, the day before was the Wise King Fudo, the day before was Accala, last week was the Sage. He had listed all the gods, goddesses, spirits, deity, and any higher power he had begged for help… but none seemed to help.

Like yesterday, he shuffled to his office to take his mind off his son, if even for a moment. Trying to busy himself lest the guilt, worry, and all the other emotions take his mind. But all he could think about was his little maelstrom.

"Hokage-sama, your son has awaken." A nurse told him.

He moved so fast he might as well had been using the Hiraishin. He gripped her by the arms and glared at her with bloodshot eyes.

"Are you sure? You're not lying, are you?!" He glared at her. This was his one and possibly only chance of regaining his family. He swore to himself, if this person lied for any reason at all….

"Ye… yes sir. Tsunade-sama had confirmed that your son is awake and in a stable condition. You may see him now."

"That… that's great. Thank you nurse, you may leave. I know where to go."

Once more, he left in a great hurry. Finally, after 6 long almost sleepless years, he can meet his son for the first time.

Minato appeared in the pediatrics ward in less than 10 seconds, leaving a still visible yellow streak on his trail. He took the same familiar steps that he had for the last 3 years and this time will be different. He will greet his baby boy and probably he should retire and be a full time father. He had so many plans, so much to do with his son. Pausing right in front of the door, he brushed his clothes to get rid of any dust that might had stuck on him. He then brushed his hair a bit; a quick glance at the mirror showed he still had the dark rings under his eyes, but that was not something he could fix now.

Finally deciding he was presentable enough, he entered his son's ward with the boy being entertained by Tsunade.

"Oh look, Naruto…. Your dad's here. Auntie Tsunade will go for now and be back for you later, ok?"

"Take your time, Minato. Just call me when he's sleepy, alright?"

"Thank you, sensei."

He couldn't believe his eyes, nor could he express his joy. Finally, his son his awake. Finally, he can be a father.

"Naruto, I'm your father."

"I know that." the boy replied. His voice was young as toddlers are wont, but the tone carried age, wisdom, and grace.

"You're not Naruto..."

"If you mean the soul who should be inhabiting this body, then no. Jinchuuriki creation is a tricky business you see."

"What do you mean?"

"Help me up, please." the blond boy raised both his hands, asking to be carried. Not seeing anything else he could do, the Fourth Hokage did as was asked and helped "Naruto" up.

"Thank you. That position was unfortunately starting to get unpleasant. Now where was I…. Oh yes. Jinchuuriki creation. Forcing a soul into a newborn is, quite honestly the epitome of madness I must say."

"You..."

"You humans don't seem to understand how unstable their souls are, some of them might not even have one yet. That is what happened to this body, in essence. You inserted my soul into an empty vessel and the one that should inhabit it can no longer enter it."

"So you…."

"Indeed, I am the Kyuubi no Kitsune. Nice to meet you in person, Namikaze Minato."

"Can you call me tou-san instead?"

"Excuse me?"

"Or tou-chan, or even oyaji. I don't mind either way."

"Were you listening to me?"

"I was, but I don't care who or what's inside your body. To me, you're my son and you're the only one I have left of my family. So… even if it's just once, can you call me your father?"

"Perhaps one day, but for now… I would engage in this… game with you, Namikaze Minato."

"That's fine by me. I don't think Kyuubi, Kitsune, nor Youko was your name. Can I ask..."

"Again, perhaps one day. For now, you may call me by your son's name. Naruto, was it? I'll need to get used to that name soon."

"Then, let's go home… Naruto."

"Very well, we shall."

A.N.: Well, what do you think? If you like it, I will write more chapters of this. Thanks for spending your time to read this short snippet, and have a lovely day.